Until just days ago, it had 20 members, which qualified it to go out as a single group with its own dedicated guide. However, its number is now down to 16 because knee injuries and back problems have forced four members to be declared medically unfit and withdraw.

Dan Hill, Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s head of fundraising, said: “There is no question of the trek being called off.

“We will go to China as planned but unless we can get our team back up to 20 members, we will lose our dedicated guide and have to join with other groups trekking for other charities. While this isn’t a disaster, it was always our plan to be a self-contained Rosemere Cancer Foundation team and if possible, we would like to stay as just that.

“We have a great mix of team members and I can assure anyone with the knees and back to join us they will receive a very warm welcome. There’ll be great camaraderie and the itinerary promises an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience.”

The path the team is set to take will walk sections of the Great Wall as it contours hills and mountains in remote areas north of Beijing and snakes through woodland and terraced farmland.

Before returning home, the intrepid group will spend a day in Beijing to visit Tiananmen Square and the nearby Forbidden City.

The trip costs £1,730 plus a £299 booking fee. Trekkers are also expected to be sponsored to raise funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation. Anyone interested should contact Dan on 01772 528346.